About 90 km southwest of Paris lies the quiet town of Chartres, nestled in the Beauce plain of the Île-de-France region. Here you’ll find Chartres Cathedral, home to what is said to be the most beautiful stained glass in the world. Considered the finest masterpiece of French Gothic architecture, Chartres Cathedral—one of France’s World Heritage Sites—has been a pilgrimage destination since the Middle Ages.
As you stroll through the town, the elegant spires rising sharply into the sky will catch your eye. The ornate decorations are also exquisite and worth seeing. In this article, we’ll introduce you to Chartres Cathedral, a World Heritage Site known for the mesmerizing blue light of its stained glass, often called “Chartres Blue.” Enjoy the full charm of this World Heritage treasure.
What is Chartres Cathedral?
In the historical cityscape of Chartres, which dates back to Roman times, lies the serene and beautiful World Heritage site—Chartres Cathedral, one of the most admired churches in France.
Chartres Cathedral exudes an elegant atmosphere and features soaring ceilings typical of Gothic architecture. Looking up, the ribbed vaulting—like branching limbs—creates a natural and organic impression.
The official name of this World Heritage Site is the Cathedral of Notre-Dame. When it was originally built, it followed Romanesque design, but a devastating fire in 1194 reduced most of it to ashes. Over the next 26 years, it was rebuilt in the Gothic style, which we see today. The splendid sculptures on its façades and interiors, as well as over 170 stained-glass windows celebrated as “Chartres Blue,” are unforgettable highlights.
Majestically standing as a proud World Heritage site, Chartres Cathedral is a must-see attraction when visiting France. Its proximity allows for easy day trips from Paris.
Name: Chartres Cathedral (Chartres Cathedral)
Address: Département, 28000, Chartres, France
Official/Related Website URL: http://www.cathedrale-chartres.org/
Access to Chartres Cathedral
To reach the World Heritage site of Chartres Cathedral, take a local train from Paris Montparnasse Station to Chartres Station, which takes about an hour. Tours focusing solely on the cathedral are limited.
Some plans include Chartres Cathedral as part of combined tours with places like the Palace of Versailles or Mont-Saint-Michel.
Highlight ①: The Exterior of Chartres Cathedral
Renowned as the pinnacle of French Gothic architecture, Chartres Cathedral boasts a stunning exterior worthy of its World Heritage status. While the stained glass is most famous, don’t overlook the exterior’s distinctive shapes and detailed reliefs. The outside alone reflects the majesty of a true World Heritage monument.
The asymmetrical spires are particularly striking. The older tower, which survived the 1194 fire, is in the modest Romanesque style. The other tower, rebuilt in the 16th century, features ornate late-Gothic decorations. The lower section of this newer tower also survived the fire, and the upper section was added later. Some claim it might even be older than the old tower.
The main structure stands 36.5 meters tall, 130 meters long, and 32 meters wide—one of the largest Gothic buildings in Europe. It faithfully preserves the medieval Christian worldview and lives up to its World Heritage title.
Highlight ②: The Reliefs of Chartres Cathedral
The exterior and interior reliefs at Chartres Cathedral are also a major draw. The west side is the oldest, with the north and south sides being more recent. The evolving styles show the transition from Romanesque to Gothic.
Pay close attention to the archivolts projecting from the semicircular arch above the west portal. Must-see elements include the "Majestic Virgin and Child" at the upper right, the "Christ in Glory" at the top center, and the "Ascension of Christ" at the upper left.
The humorous human figures on the west side’s columns date to around 1150, making them the oldest in the cathedral. The south transept’s statues show more realistic expressions, indicating a departure from the Romanesque style. The north side displays even finer detail and lifelike expressions.
These stylistic changes enhance the cathedral’s World Heritage appeal. Along the wall separating the choir from the ambulatory are sculptures depicting the Bible, focusing on the lives of Mary and Jesus. Chartres Cathedral is filled with sculptural art befitting a true World Heritage site.
Highlight ③: The Stained Glass of Chartres Cathedral
Chartres Cathedral is known for its deeply rich and beautiful stained glass in what’s called “Chartres Blue.” Covering a total area of 2,700 square meters, there are 173 stained-glass windows—grand and breathtaking in scale.
Most windows date from the 11th to 13th centuries, featuring delicate and graceful craftsmanship.
The deep hue of Chartres Blue is a sign of age; as glassmaking evolved, newer glass became lighter and more transparent. This makes the stained glass at Chartres even more precious, radiating a profound, heavy light worthy of a World Heritage monument. The blue used in the “Notre-Dame de la Belle Verrière” window in the south aisle is said to be impossible to replicate with modern technology.
The stained glass illustrates Bible stories and saints’ legends, best read from left to right and bottom to top. Notable highlights include the “Tree of Jesse” to the left of the entrance, rose windows in the north, south, and west, and the "Last Judgment" window—all must-sees when visiting Chartres Cathedral.
Summary
How was it? Chartres Cathedral's stained glass, which changes appearance with the time of day, is one of its greatest attractions. On clear evenings, the interior glows with golden-tinted, soft light, making the blue world even more ethereal. Take your time to admire the World Heritage site of Chartres Cathedral and let yourself be moved by its enduring beauty across centuries.